Judge denies Love's request to withdraw guilty plea

Judge denies Love's request to withdraw guilty plea

Posted by Staff reports July 26, 2007 5:23 PM

Madison County Circuit Judge Karen Hall refused today to allow Jerry Wayne Love to withdraw his guilty plea in connection with the sodomy of three of his adopted children.

Ruling late this afternoon, Hall rejected Love's statements in an earlier hearing that he had not understood the original plea.

"Motion is denied," Hall said in her brief ruling.

Love testified earlier this afternoon that he only entered the plea because his attorneys advised him to. He did not understand he would have to move, attend extensive therapy sessions and pay restitution, he said.

Prosecutor Maggie Wallace said Love did understand the deal but only wanted to withdraw his plea because he now thought he could win in court.